LOS ANGELES (KNX) — This week, we revisit a KNX Hero alum - a mother from Ontario, who's selling homemade salsa to raise awareness about autism!
Home cooking is a way of life at the Tostado household. But, when Flor Tostado blended her signature salsas in the kitchen, her autistic son Liam would have a severe reaction to the loud noise.
Flor told KNX reporter Heather Jordan, "He would melt down every single time," says Flor, "he would run away."
To help make things easier, Flor decided to get Liam involved in the process. "He would put the ingredients in the blender," explains Flor. "Once he started getting more comfortable, he would press the button, and then he would run! Press the button, and then run away!"
"So, we started building up his tolerance, until finally he was making the salsas on his own. I was like, you know what, let's try and do something with this!"
So, Flor started selling "Spicy Mami Salsa" online to family and friends. "I make a green salsa. My green salsa is mild. That one's full of flavor, [and it] sells like crazy!" says Flor. "I do have a red salsa, that one is spicy. But, I have a spicier one, which is Chipotle. So, I kind of [have] like, mild to wild!"
Proceeds go to various organizations that help the autism community. "Every month, we try to choose someone different," Flor said.
Not only does she donate the money, she also works hard to bring awareness to activates specially curated for children on the autism spectrum, such as swimming lessons and Karata classes.
She's going above and beyond to help autistic families like hers, and that's why Flor Tostado of “Spicy Mami Salsa” is our KNX Hero of the Week!
Follow Flor, Liam and Spicy Mami Salsa on Instagram.
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.
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