Siblings Day: Sisters in medical field admire the other

Editor's note: To recognize Siblings Day, on Saturday, April 10, coupled with the Register's continued commitment to profile local frontline health care professionals, the newspaper reached out to siblings in the area who provide care for patients. Here is one of two news stories printing this weekend. The other is here. PERKINS TWP. — Sometimes when sisters grow up and enter adulthood, they drift apart. Then there's Jordyn Fields and Taylor Kopocs, who, upon graduating from high school, have only grown closer, firmly establishing a tight-knit bond and ultimately becoming best friends. From continuing traditions, such as their annual wintertime Michigan trips, to starting new ones — a favorite consists of hopping on boats, all summer long, for excursions around Sandusky Bay — they wholeheartedly welcome each other's company. "Like all siblings, we argue, mostly because we have very different personalities," said Taylor, who handpicked Jordyn as her wedding's maid of honor. "But, at the end of the day, we love and support each other, no matter what." Their parents, Jon and Monique Fields, ingrained the importance of sisterhood with each of them at an early age. Both women apparently listened. "We've always had each other's backs," Jordyn said. "It's just been the two of us. We were always partners in crime." And, as one continues supporting the other in life, there's no better example of their mirroring admiration than their respective career choices — both as frontline health care workers. Taylor Kopocs Taylor works as a radiologic technologist at Firelands Regional Medical Center. All told, she's logged five years in the field. "I wanted to go into a profession that would be rewarding, challenging and versatile," said Taylor, a 2016 Perkins High School graduate who still lives in the Sandusky area with her husband, Jake Kopocs. While in high school, she shadowed a variety of jobs and eventually selected one as an X-ray technologist. "I was constantly drawn to the diagnostic side of health care," Taylor said. "We help doctors diagnose injuries and other health conditions. Every day brings something a little different because, in the hospital, we float from the ER to surgery to the outpatient setting." Though the COVID-19 pandemic brought some of the most atypical and arduous situations that Taylor, or really anyone else, could never previously imagine. "Some of my co-workers have been in the field for over 20 years, and, this past year has truly been unprecedented," Taylor said. "Our already challenging jobs became even more difficult and tiring." Taylor, who does enjoy her work, talked about the angst she often encounters during her shifts. "We come face-to-face with almost every, if not every single, COVID patient because we use X-ray and CT (computerized tomography) to monitor a patient's lungs," Taylor said. "We've had to put on a brave face, even though we have fears and anxieties every time we go into a COVID-positive room, especially at the beginning." Though, like her colleagues, Taylor rose above her personal feelings of despair, knowing many needed her expertise to survive varying life-threatening conditions. "We have overcome so much, and we are continuing to treat our patients the best that we can while still navigating the pandemic," she said. "I knew my role as a health care worker was important, but the pandemic gave it a whole new light." Among the positives from the past year, colleagues have noticed a new Taylor: one who's evolved into a more confident, bolder and astute professional. "This past year has taken a heavy toll on health care workers around the world. We've truly been running a marathon with no finish line in sight, however, I am so proud of my co-workers, and it's been an honor to work with them through this crazy year," she said. "I wouldn't have wanted to go through this experience with anyone other than my Firelands radiology team." Jordyn Fields A student at Bowling Green State University, Jordyn reveres her sister so much that she's following in her career footsteps. "I'm currently attending X-ray school," said Jordyn, a 2019 Perkins High School graduate who's simultaneously doing clinicals at a local hospital. She actually began her coursework as a high school student. Set to graduate in May, Jordyn's ambitions echo her sister's. "I've always loved to help people," said Jordyn, who still lives in the township. "Whether it's something as small as getting someone a glass of water or something larger, like what I'm doing now — helping the doctors diagnose and help others – I'm all-in." Jordyn knows full well that she'll soon enter a workforce, where, generally speaking, many places are understaffed and overwhelmed. But she welcomes the challenge. In fact, she's embracing it. "If anything, I'm wanting to help more than ever before," Jordyn said. "People are sick, and it's not the time for me to run and hide. I love helping people. I want to be there for people when they're hurting because I put myself in their shoes and would want someone there for me, too." During her clinicals, she's seen the sick patients. But she's also witnessed the enduring commitment and heartfelt moments shared between her colleagues and those who are ailing. "Since the pandemic started, it's made people realize just how much people in the medical field really do," she said. "It's ultimately life-saving work that's been done for decades. People are noticing how hard we all work and the challenges those in the medical field face on the daily now more than ever." With a focus on radiology, Jordyn noted the work requires detailed attention, such as personalizing one's experiences of a complex procedure "so that we can help in reaching the diagnosis of their pain or other problems they come to us for." She promises to adopt a similar kindhearted presence and resolute mindset when interacting with patients, no matter if it's for inpatient, outpatient, surgery, emergency room or all other related services. "We're taught to aim to make each patient feel comfortable, included, helped and appreciated in their health care," she said. "We have to have all kinds of compassion in this field because every person is going through something different at every moment we see them." Jordyn looks forward to a long career ahead of her. "There are daily challenges we face. It's not easy," she said. "But the rewards of seeing people smile and laugh when we're working with them is what makes it all worth it." Showing sisterly love In separate interviews, both Jordyn and Taylor shared a private, heartfelt message with the other, giving one another assurances as they continue serving along health care's frontlines. • Jordyn on Taylor: My sister was the first of my immediate family to go into medical care. She did spark my interest in going into the field. I've always admired the determination she's had to do what's gotten her to where she is today. She treats her patients as if they're one of our own family members, which I believe is what has helped her become such a good professional. • Taylor on Jordyn: I know how difficult it was to get to where I am, so I have a lot of respect for the hard work and dedication she has been putting into her education and training. She is doing amazing, and I'm so proud of her. She's also so good with people and always has been an extrovert, so I know she will excel in taking care of people. My little sister will always have a special place in my heart. I'm so proud of everything she has achieved, and I'll always love her.