Joanna Heiskill said her mother would be proud to see change in action.

I feel like my mom would be very excited about the events happening right now," she said. Its been a long time coming.

Heiskill's mother died in 2019 in a Richmond nursing home after experiences that she said were horrific and launched her into years of advocacy. She helped found "Justice and Change for Victims of Nursing Facilities," a network of family members of current and past residents who push for stronger protections for a vulnerable population.

So when Heiskill arrived for her first meeting as an advisor to Virginia's top leaders on issues involving long-term care, she wore her mother's earring to feel her presence.

I put this on today because this was hers. She loved this. I just felt like, 'You know momm

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