Dear State of New Jersey and Freehold MVC,

Trust me when I tell you that I know when you make an exception for one person, it can set a dangerous precedent. However, what you did to Joanne Jodry is inexcusable. Let me catch you up in case you missed anything.

Joanne is from Ocean Grove and she is currently battling stage-2 breast cancer. She was diagnosed in April and her chemotherapy treatments have caused her to lose her hair.

Joanne's driver’s license was up for renewal so she went to the Freehold Motor Vehicle Commission to take care of matters.

It's standard procedure to have your driver’s license photo updated every eight years. Except the photo of Joanne from eight years ago was going to greatly differ from the new picture you demanded she have taken.

Joanne says she told your Freehold MVC employees that she has cancer and was doing chemo. The MVC response: "this is the policy." If I was working for the MVC at this point, I would have immediately gotten a supervisor instead of "standing ground."

Joanne had to ask to talk to a supervisor. The supervisor said they would allow her to wear a scarf and that she was out of options. Joanne proceeded to have her picture taken in tears while her ten year old watched.

I understand the Freehold MVC was following the State Law that requires a new photo on your license every eight years. This is most likely an issue to take up with the State of New Jersey.

Bottom line, there should be exceptions.

Some may say "it's only a driver’s license photo."

Where is the compassion here? It's more than a driver’s license photo, it's a reminder of a pain and emotional hardship. An experience no one should ever have to go through. Joanne and people like Joanne have a lot to worry about, this shouldn't have been an issue.

Joanne said in an interview that she hopes her experience is something that will make the State of New Jersey think.

Finally, when you throw around words like "policy" and "law" to ultimately prevent a person from "fighting the system," think about another fight, one that Joanne is fiercely fighting.

These were the closing comments from Joanne in her interview. "I am going to get better. I have this girl (her daughter), so defeat is not an option.

With compassion for all,

Matt Ryan

