From the newsroom of the Arkon Beacon Journal, Arkon, Ohio, Thursday, July 14, 2005 .....

Sue Thomas' `F.B.Eye' days over; she faces living with MS

By R. D. Heldenfels
Beacon Journal television writer

Sue Thomas' TV show may be done. Her life and mission are not.

The former Youngstown resident who inspired the Pax TV series Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, will speak Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Hilton Cleveland South in Independence. Admission is free.

She will focus on her living with multiple sclerosis, she said in an e-mail interview. "Sharing from my heart," she said, "I hope that I can encourage others to continue to run the race before them."

But Thomas' story encompasses far more than her current situation.

Deaf at 18 months, she nonetheless became a successful ice skater and, thanks to her lip-reading ability, worked in undercover surveillance for the FBI.

The FBI work became the basis for the TV series, which during its 2002-2005 run starred Deanne Bray as a more glammed-up version of Thomas. (Asked if fans of the show are surprised when they meet her, Thomas said, "The most common remark (is) `Are you really the real Sue Thomas?' ")

Still, the real Thomas is pretty impressive. I've seen her choke up some hard-bitten folks just by being her positive, upbeat self.

"I look for the best in everyone," she said, "and treat them as I would want to be treated."

She has done so through many challenges, including the recent physical problems.

"Health could be much better," she said, "but it could be a lot worse as well. It's been 4 years since I was diagnosed with MS and in the 4 years I have gotten much slower. I am now in a wheelchair when I have to go long distance and will be adapting to a walker and `scooter' very soon."

Asked how she maintains her positive attitude, she said, "I simply believe in my Creator and His Son, Jesus Christ. No, Rich, they are not my crutch in life, but He is my sole source of power."

She does occasionally admit to mixed feelings about her life, including the fame that came with the TV show.

"The show certainly changed my life forever," she said. "I am no longer a private person but recognized just about wherever I go. I truly miss being a private person."

But she liked Bray -- "We are still in touch and will continue to always be in touch," Thomas said -- and holds out the hope that more Sue Thomas will be made because "the show has really made a tremendous impact on its viewers."

The show has had its series finale on Pax, which has gone through some major corporate changes. Still, Thomas said, "What the future holds we are not sure. There are people all over the world (the show is now in 54 nations)... that are hoping that it continues. The producers are attempting to take it to a different network."

Copyright © 2005 Knight Ridder. All Rights Reserved.

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