UPDATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
NO NEW SIGHTINGS OF OUR SON, ANDREW BRYENTON TODAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023! We are very worried. Andrew was last seen September 27, 2023 at Dufferin and Steeles Dollarama.
The Toronto Police refuse to accept any Missing Person Reports. We are hoping that Andrew has been in a mall today. It is strange that he has not been spotted.
I understand that the weather is chilly in Toronto. Eventually, Andrew will require a jacket, toque, gloves, warm socks, boxer shorts, sneakers, blanket and sleeping bag. Andrew wears a size13 sneaker and size large jacket. Please let me know if Andrew accepts these items.
It is my hope and dream to have Andrew back home safely in a Charlottetown hospital within the next few weeks. I am working on a new plan, that hopefully will see success. As a mother, it breaks my heart knowing that our son is sleeping on the ground or cement sidewalks at night and walks aimlessly for many miles each day.
As parents, Lloyd and I realize that Andrew's illness over the past eleven months has taken quite a toll on us. We have decided to take a CAMH eight week course titled Finding Hope and Building Strength. We know that we must take care of ourselves, so that we can take care of Andrew when he comes home.
Thanks to everyone for your support and ongoing kindness. I rely on several people daily to provide me with information. Some days it is literally an uphill battle with no end in sight. Today was one of those days;
Please continue to send Andrew's photos with date, time and location by private message. I also ask you to private message me if you have any suggestions or concerns.
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I THINK IT IS TIME THAT ANDREW COMES HOME TO P.E.I. FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION!
I am prepared to complete the 6th Form 2 Application in hopes that a psychiatrist will sign a Form 1 for admittance to hospital. This is the missing piece that we require for a medical transfer. As hard as it is, we feel there is no point in filing another Form 2, until we know that Andrew will be kept in the hospital.
"Dreams are the seeds of change. Nothing ever grows without a seed, and nothing ever changes without a dream." Debby Boone
Many thanks to all the Ontario residents who have been generously providing Andrew with food, water, money and clothing. We are thankful that you have adopted our son. Andrew is Incapable of caring for his basic needs, and does not understand that he is seriously ill due to the symptom of anosognosia.
Andrew lacks judgement as a result, and does risky things like crossing a busy highway not in the crosswalk. Or walking to Barrie in a heatwave with no provisions or sun protection.
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.
MEDICAL TRANSFER PROVISION
We believe that the Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones or designate 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.
Andrew is still wearing his New England Patriots long sleeve brownish sweater, blue jeans and sneakers that are 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 8275 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.
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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!