UPDATE SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
I am usually not at a loss for words, but I am today. Sadly, some people have chosen to be unkind recently, with their remarks. I overlooked the posts until yesterday, when I decided to start deleting and blocking. I have no time or energy to be putting out fires. I am spending 10 hours or more a day at the computer researching ways to bring Andrew safely home. That is my number one priority!
I can assure you that the people who are choosing to be cruel would not want to wear my shoes for even 24 hours, little lone 11 long and painful months. I appreciate posts of support and encouragement, not mean or judgemental remarks.
I am putting my heart and soul into saving Andrew's life. Winter is just around the corner and I am still hitting roadblocks trying to get Andrew's medical transfer approved by the Ontario psychiatrists.
I spent most of my day yesterday reaching out to psychiatrists and hoping they might help Andrew. There was one psychiatrist that contacted and gave me a referral. I am hoping this person can help navigate the very complicated mental health system.
LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN! I DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP!
I WILL COMPLETE OUR 6TH FORM 2 APPLICATION AND HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE TORONTO COURT HOUSE. PRAYING THAT THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE OR JUDGE GRANTS THE APPLICATION.
The temperatures are falling in the evening and night. Andrew has no jacket, toque, gloves or warm footwear. Andrew is homeless and not capable of caring for himself. He has been depending on the generosity of Ontario residents since January 2023. Andrew is provided with food, water, and money every day to meet his needs.
I think the Canadian Government should take a lesson from California. The TV program 60 Minutes aired recently and described how the Judges will now be permitted to issue MANDATORY TREATMENT FOR THE MENTALLY ILL. New Care Courts will be set up to handle the individual cases.
Think about all the thousands of people on the streets that could be rescued like Andrew. They could regain their dignity and their lives back. Do they not deserve this? I personally would rather see money spent on proactive intervention than housing the poor souls in shelters. Our son will not use a shelter or soup kitchen due to his paranoia.
Many thanks to everyone for sending posts, photos and videos with date, time and location. We are coping with the situation as best we can, thanks to your thoughtfulness and kindness.
I find this song gives me some comfort, I WON'T LET GO by Rascal Flatts. It talks about coping.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA0YKJ0_Ivk
God can work MIRACLES. Jesus said, "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything!" Matthew 19:26.
Please pray for a MIRACLE to happen soon!
SIGHTING TODAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2023:
9:19 a.m. Andrew was spotted at Dufferin Street and Supertest by the Coppa's Supermarket.
12:45 p.m. Andrew was at Dufferin at Steeles Avenue. The lady offered food, drink, money and men's boots. Andrew politely declined everything.
MEDICAL TRANSFER PROVISION
We believe that the Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones has a will to execute the medical transfer provision, in the Ontario Mental Health Act. But first, we have to locate a psychiatrist who is willing to admit Andrew to hospital under a Form 1.
It is our belief that Andrew is exhausted, malnourished and sleep deprived. He may also have stomach and back issues. Andrew needs to be medically examined. There are many people who have experienced our heartache, turmoil and pain.
Andrew is still wearing his New England Patriots long sleeve brownish sweater, blue jeans and sneakers falling apart.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
Andrew's heartbreaking story is reaching thousands of people daily. The very public daily postings are opening the eyes of people that never realized the plight of homeless people. Not only that, the daily struggles of loved ones who are trying to care for them.
Andrew's story may be the catalyst necessary to finally challenge the existing mental health system moving forward with mental health reform. The homeless suffer daily for their basic needs that most people take for granted.
Here is a sad post that I received. "As someone who was supporting a family member with schizophrenia until his untimely passing, I spoke at length with the coroner, autopsy and police team who all felt that the system needs to change. While they support the rights of individuals to make their own health care choices, they also felt that the pendulum has swung too far. They want people to speak up. It is time for Andrew’s Law."
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PLEASE NOTE
I have missed some sightings because the photo, date, time and location were posted on a Facebook Community Page. Please send PM to me MARLENE BRYENTON - thanks! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LOBBYING EFFORTS
I am lobbying for a P.E.I. Community Treatment Order. Dr. Richard O'Reilly, psychiatrist, from London, Ontario believes the New Brunswick Community Treatment Order is the best to both assist the mentally ill and clinicians. In his opinion, it is the gold star, modern standard and should be considered. Deputy Minister, Lisa Thibeau said that she would review it.
I sent this Community Treatment Order to Premier Dennis King, Hon. Mark McLane, Minister of Health, Deputy Minister Lisa Thibeau, MLA Susie Dillon, Dr. Javier Salabarria, Medical Director Mental Health & Addictions, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island.
In addition, I am working with MP Sean Casey and former Senator, Diane Griffon, on an Advanced Medical Directive.
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PLEASE NOTE
PLEASE DO NOT CALL ANDREW BY NAME. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT POLICE UNLESS ANDREW IS IN DISTRESS. MY PROFILE PAGE PROVIDES UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
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The PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO PEI PETITION has received 8269 signatures so far. These are caring and compassionate residents of Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Here is the link: https://chng.it/TMKMZfHH2p It is fast and free.
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We are most thankful to the people of Ontario who are caring for our son, Andrew, by providing him with food, water, money and clothing as well as giving me daily sightings.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
The GLOBE AND MAIL story was written by Marcus Gee and published August 25, 2023.
The TORSTAR YORK REGION.COM story written by Kim Zarzour was published Saturday, August 26, 2023. The headline was, "GUT-WRENCHING NIGHTMARE": FROM P.E.I. TO TORONTO MOTHER SEARCHES TO HELP HER HOMELESS SON. The second part was published August 31, 2023. https://twitter.com/kimzarzour/status/1697226704505201017
Kim advised me that Andrew's story was the most read on September 1, 2023!
I was interviewed on CBC Radio and Television by hosts Mitch Cormier and Steve Bruce. I explained the P.E.I. Missing Person's Act and its relevance. I started lobbying for it in March 2023. Thankfully the Act was legislated September 9, 2023.
I am thinking about lobbying for the California Care Court system which will help many individuals like Andrew that refuse treatment. Our son has so much potential. Andrew needs the medication to restore his kind hearted and loving personality. We love you and miss you Andrew.
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MARVIN ROSS BLOG
A blog was written by Marvin Ross entitled, WHY ONTARIO'S MENTAL HEALTH ACT IS DEFICIENT - THE TALE OF A HOMELESS MAN WHO SHOULDN'T BE HOMELESS. Here is the link: https://dawsonross.wordpress.com/
Marvin submitted Andrew's story to the Hamilton Spectator, August 31, 2023. https://twitter.com/dysdads/status/1697221154971279544?s=20
Learn how Toronto has reacted with compassion to the story of Andrew the homeless PEI man with untreated mental illness compared to the sad response to people who suffer from homelessness in Hamilton.
September 11, 2023. My Guest Post appeared in the Marvin Ross Blog. It was titled - A Mother's Plea for Treatment for her Homeless Son.
September 12, 2023. My Guest Post, A Mother's Plea for Her Homeless Son appeared in the WELCOME TO THE NEWSLETTER ON SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES. It also included an article by Dr. David Laing Dawson. The title was, A POSSIBLE REASON WHY MENTALLY ILL AND HOMELESS ANDREW BRYENTON IS REJECTED BY HOSPITAL. It also included an anecdote to the Psychiatry Resident at CAMH.
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ANDREW'S ANGEL TEAM
I have a team of very gifted and talented individuals who are guiding, encouraging and supporting me daily. The list is extensive.
In particular, I wish to thank Maureen Trask, Advocate for Missing Persons and Kerry Mclane, PLEASE BRING ME HOME volunteer investigator. Kerry suggested I launch the petition. I also wish to thank the members of TEAM who have been giving me advice and guidance. They are a group of lawyers, psychiatrists, social workers, police and parents with a vested interest. Their mandate is Mental Health Reform. They formed this group three years ago.
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TWITTER ASSISTANCE NEEDED
Joey Killorn is @KillornJoe feel free anyone on this group St Clair West Residents Group. When you re post tag politicians, news media and anyone of relevance then please insert the #bringandrewhome2 PEI. Thats @KillornJoe X or Twitter." Please also check @M4MHCReform
I am a MAMA BEAR and I will protect our son! Furthermore, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP TRYING TO SAVE OUR SON'S LIFE!