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"It's taken her so long to speak, now we can't get her to shut up!"
Bill Thomas, Sue Thomas' father
“Deaf since the age of 18 months, Sue Thomas neither asked for nor received sympathy for her handicap at any time in her life: Indeed, as a youngster she was known to periodically bloody the noses of kids who taunted her in school. As an adult, Thomas became an accomplished pianist, and earned a political science degree from Massachusetts Springfield College…” Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
“Fearless and fiesty Sue Thomas has inspired…faith is what keeps her going.” -TV Guide
“Uncommon courage …”
Family Circle Magazine 2004
"Sue Thomas has inspired a TV show and those who hear her speak." Los Angeles Times
Sue Thomas FBI
"The Kennels of Levi."
Sue Thomas is profoundly deaf. But nothing can keep this indominable woman from living her life to the fullest. At the age of 18 months Sue Thomas suffered an instant and total loss of sound. Her devastated parents were told that little Sue would never amount to anything and they should put her in an institution. Her parents made a lifetime vow to do whatever it would take to enable their only daughter to become successful in the 'hearing world'. It took years with speech-therapists to develop her voice. While learning to communicate, SueThomas became an expert lip-reader.
As the only deaf child in her public school district, Sue Thomas was misunderstood by her teachers. Although she sat in the front row so she could see the lips of her teachers, much of what happened in the classroom was lost to her. Kids tormented her in the hallways and on the playground. As her world began to spiral downward, Sue Thomas spent more and more time at the skating rink. With the help of determined coach, 7 year old Sue Thomas became the youngest Ohio State Champion free-style skater in skating history.
In spite of the difficulties in the classroom, Sue Thomas applied herself in college and finally graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with a degree in Political Science and International Affairs. After months of job searching, Sue Thomas heard that the FBI was looking for deaf people. Her wildest hopes finally came true when she was hired to work in undercover surveillance reading lips for the FBI agents in Washington DC.
In 2002 the TV series, SUE THOMAS: FBEYE was released. Inspired by Sue Thomas' unique job for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the weekly drama helps to bring more awareness to the lives and abilities of those with physical challenges. With more than 2.5 million viewers in the United States, the popular series is now being watched in 60 nations around the world.
But Sue Thomas' compelling story is not finished. In 2001 on her way to a speaking engagement in Dallas, she felt a numbness creeping up from her fingers to the top of her head. Sue Thomas managed to deliver her speech to 10,000 people before going to the emergency room. It was her first experience with Multiple Sclerosis, but not her last. Living with MS has become one of Sue's greatest challenges. "Fighting it is a waste of precious energy," she says. "It is only by embracing my MS that I learn life's greatest lessons."
None of these challenges can quench Sue Thomas' dynamic spirit as she continues to break the Sound Barrier with audiences worldwide. Her humor is contagious and her stories are compelling. When not on the road speaking, Sue Thomas lives in Vermont with her Hearing/Special Skills dog, "Katie'.
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Eaglecross Kennels is proud to present Sue Thomas and the "The Kennels of Levi"
A story of courage, determination, and vision for all individuls with diabilities.
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Seizure Alert Dogs
Use their sensitivity to alert their owners prior to an epileptic attack which allows the person time to take protective action such as call for assistance, take their medication, or go to safety.
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The Story Behind The Kennels
As my second Hearing Dog, Amazing Grace, was reaching the end of her hearing career; I was just starting a new leg in my own journey. Newly diagnosed with the life-changing disease of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) I knew my next Service Dog would need to be not only my ears but also be able to help me with various activities of daily life. Katie, my current dog, is specially trained for multi-disabilities, meeting both the challenges of my deafness and Multiple Sclerosis.
A vision was born.
Today Kennels of Levi EPEC, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to training these extraordinary dogs. The training is intense and costly; it costs more than $20,000 to breed, raise, train, and place each dog to do this job. Only the best of the best that have spent months in specialized training can be paired with that person facing extraordinary challenges.
I welcome you to become part of our extraordinary team.
~ Sue Thomas
Mobility Assistance Dogs
also known as Special Skills Dogs, provide services such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items, assistance with balance, etc.
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
alert their owners through physical contact and lead their owners to various sounds such as the doorbell, microwave, smoke-alarm, and many other everyday sounds.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
also known as Seeing Eye Dogs, give confidence and direction to their visually impaired owners enabling them to navigate safely around their homes and communities.
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To Thank You!
You can now receive this quality mug with your specific gift of
$20.00
Free Shipping
We can only ship this item
within the USA
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Kennels of Levi E.P.E.C
Is a division of
Sue Thomas Ministries a 501c3 registered non-profit organization.
All donations are USA tax-deductible
My very first service dog, LEVI, taughtme "how to hear". He was a Certified Hearing Dog for the deaf. Levi gave me the freedom of living independently and gave back the confidence that deafness stole from me. It is in his memory that I began
The Kennels of Levi."
~Sue Thomas
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