Our Story

Roman's Light Foundation was created in loving memory of Roman Pecherskii, a brave little boy who entered the world with a chronic health condition that required a kidney transplant at just 14 months old. Against all odds — and despite doctors' uncertain prognosis — Roman survived and received his life-saving kidney in 2010.

That gift allowed him to become exactly who he was meant to be: a super-active, curious, joyful child with endless places to explore, questions to ask, and favorite foods to enjoy. His transplant gave him the chance to travel, to play, and to live a full and vibrant childhood.

Roman passed away in 2022, but his light, strength, and spirit continue to inspire everyone who knew him.

Through this foundation, we honor Roman by bringing that same light, comfort, and hope to other transplant children and their families. They should have all necessary support. We are a team of passionate advocates, on-the-ground staff, and dedicated volunteers.

Our Values

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Transparency

Roman’s Light Foundation is led entirely by volunteers, allowing more donated dollars to go directly toward programs that support pediatric transplant families. We are committed to transparency and responsible use of all funds. By giving, you become part of a community that brings hope, stability, and light to families navigating pediatric transplant journeys.

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Community-Led

We listen to and work with the communities we serve, not just for them.

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Integrity

We are committed to the highest standards of ethics and practice.

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Hope

We believe in the power of people to create positive, lasting change.

Meet the Board Members

Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals from coast to coast.

Jacob Petersen

Jacob Petersen

President

Jacob Petersen has been an officer on several boards in the Rochester area over the past several decades and is happy to be presiding at the board meetings for Roman's Light Foundation currently. Professionally, Jacob teaches at RCTC locally and brokers businesses throughout SE MN. He is married with three daughters, and in his free time enjoys working in the yard, generally being outside, and philanthropic endeavors.

Anna Ryabova

Anna Ryabova

Founder and Treasurer

Anna Ryabova created the Roman's Light Foundation in honor of her family's journey through pediatric illness and transplant care. After her son received a kidney transplant at Mayo Clinic in 2010, Anna and her family made Rochester their home. Anna holds a Master's degree in Counseling and Psychological Services and is a licensed professional clinical counselor.

Brindusa Wittwer

Brindusa Wittwer

Board Member

Brindusa Wittwer brings 32 years of dedicated service at Mayo Clinic, most recently as an Assistant Supervisor in Lab Services, following 15 years in pediatrics. She values the meaningful daily interactions she has with diverse patients and families, and deeply upholds the principle that "the patient comes first."

Dr. Donald Jenkins

Dr. Donald Jenkins

Board Member

Dr. Donald Jenkins is currently a Professor of Surgery at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. A distinguished leader in trauma care, he previously served as Trauma Medical Director for Mayo Clinic's Saint Marys Hospital and directed trauma operations for the U.S. Air Force and the Joint Theater Trauma System in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Jenkins is a recognized pioneer in resuscitation strategies and pre-hospital blood product administration.

Eric Gatz

Eric Gatz

Board Member

Eric Gatz is a long-time resident of Rochester, husband to Heather and dad to 3 wonderful boys, Micah, Caleb and Elisha (Eli). He is currently the Retail Banking Manager at Coulee Bank in Rochester. Eric is a strong believer in the mission of Roman's Light Foundation because it's near and dear to his own experience. Eric's oldest son Micah was diagnosed with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy when he was 5 y.o. and at the age of 11 he had to be placed on the heart transplant list. Micah waited a total of 735 days, 283 of those days in-patient at St. Mary's hospital in Rochester, MN awaiting the call for the perfect heart. Micah received his life-giving heart transplant on December 7th, 2024. Eric is excited and thankful that he can bring knowledge of his families experience to the team at Roman's Light Foundation. He is honored to be on this board and helping connect families to light and hope inside and out of the hospital.

Your Trust is Our Priority

We are proud to be a fully accredited 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are committed to financial transparency.

View Annual Report Financial Statements