About Sue Thomas

Deanne Bray acts as Sue Thomas on the TV series, "Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye". This show is inspired by a true story. The real Sue Thomas became profoundly deaf at the age of 18 months, and despite various operations and experimental treatments, the hearing loss could not be restored. Her parents were determined to make her as much a part of the "hearing world" as they could, and enrolled her in the Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center where she was taught to speak and read lips. As well as learning to speak, Sue had trumpet and piano lessons.

Once Sue had mastered reading lips and speaking, she was enrolled into elementary school, where she began the struggle to learn. As soon as the teacher would turn around, she could no longer know what was being said. She also struggled to find acceptance among her classmates, as they ridiculed her for how she spoke. Sue started to spend more and more time at her local ice rink for an escape, and a determined coach taught her to skate. Sue became the youngest Ohio State Champion free-style skater.

Sue later earned a BSc in political science and international relations at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. Following college, Sue was hired by the FBI in Washington, DC, USA and at first, helped start a program to help train deaf people to classify fingerprints. She didn't remain there long though, as agents approached her to ask for her help in telling them what was said on a surveillance tape where the sound mechanism had failed. When she helped to solve the case, she became an undercover surveillant.

Sue Thomas now speaks before civic, professional and church groups to help proclaim the love and forgiveness of God. She lives in Ohio, USA with her Golden Retriever dog (Katie), when they are not on the road. As well as being Sue's hearing dog, Katie is also a helper dog and is trained to do things such as pick up dropped items and open doors. Since Sue has been diagnosed with MS, Katie is a big help to her.

As well as achieving all of this, she has also written a book, "Silent Night", which tells her story. In 2003, she released a DVD called, "Breaking The Sound Barrier", where she shares her message of hope and inspiration. Unfortunately, Sue Thomas was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which is affecting her sight and muscles. She is battling this new obstacle head-on.

Visit Sue Thomas' official website.

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