Photo courtesy of Lori Carbajal, left, pictured with Paul Saustrup and Peanut

As the owner of a repair shop in town, Automotive Technology Professor Paul Saustrup has seen his share of cars in need of maintenance. In December, he was enlisted to perform almost a complete overhaul.

The Brain Injury Association of Texas (BIA) contacted Saustrup regarding Lori Carbajal and her son, Daniel, nicknamed “Peanut.” At the age of 4 months, Peanut was violently shaken by his father and as a result suffers from blindness, seizures, and severe brain injuries. Now 6 years old, Peanut is still unable to walk and requires the use of a wheelchair.

In November, Peanut’s wheelchair was damaged beyond repair when Carbajal’s SUV was struck from behind by a hit-and-run driver. Through generous donations, Carbajal received a wheelchair from a New Hampshire couple and a van from an Austin family whose son is also in a wheelchair. But, “the van wasn’t running and the wheelchair lift didn’t work,” says Saustrup. “It needed a lot of repairs.”

Saustrup fixed the van at no cost to Carbajal. The BIA also bought extra parts for the van, which was recently presented to Carbajal.

“I was very overwhelmed,” says Carbajal. “I immediately started crying. I still haven’t been able to process it all.”

Carbajal received more good news when Saustrup told her about his brainchild “Peanut’s Gang,” a volunteer program enlisting the help of Austin Community College students to raise awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome. Saustrup also recently learned that he gained approval from college officials to perform any maintenance the van needs, free of charge.

“It’s so great to know I have someone to call,” says Carbajal. “I feel really great that Peanut’s Gang is there to help us. I’m blessed.”

Students interested in joining Peanut’s Gang may contact Saustrup at [email protected].