Robert Irvine Foundation
Delaney Anonymous
First Responder
Courage After the Call
Delaney dedicated her career to protecting and serving as a police officer with the Tampa Police Department, answering calls that often put her in unpredictable and dangerous situations. One night, while responding to what appeared to be a routine burglary call, her life changed in an instant. She was ambushed and struck repeatedly in the head and face with a blunt object. The attack left her with a traumatic brain injury and the lasting effects of PTSD—both visible and invisible reminders of that night.
Recovery was not just about healing physically, but about navigating a new way of life. The TBI brought challenges with balance, memory, and focus, while PTSD layered on moments of anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional strain. Once accustomed to being the one others relied on, Delaney now had to learn how to ask for help herself—a difficult shift for someone who built a career on courage and independence.
Wellness Program _
Service Dog Mack Recipient
That’s when Mack came into her life. A specially trained service dog, Mack provides both emotional support and practical assistance to help manage the symptoms of her TBI. He helps steady her when she feels unbalanced, provides comfort during moments of anxiety, and offers the kind of unconditional companionship that rebuilds trust in the world.
For Delaney, Mack is more than just a working dog—he’s a lifeline. With him by her side, she has regained not only greater independence, but also the confidence to reconnect with her community and reclaim parts of her life she thought she had lost. Together, they are a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of partnership.