Bionic Buzz® covered the Over The Edge Celebrity Weekend Kick-Off Party at Meliá Orlando Celebration in Central Florida. There, we interviewed Carl Bilancione, known from Survivor: Africa. Carl spoke with us about his new book, My Rise from the Wiseguys: A Memoir, why he is raising money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and even teased a role he has in an upcoming movie scheduled for release in April 2026.

⭐ About Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave his life on 9/11 after running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to reach the Twin Towers. The foundation honors his sacrifice by supporting America’s heroes — including first responders, military service members, and their families.

🇺🇸 Mission

To provide support, stability, and financial relief for those who sacrifice so much for our nation.

💛 Core Programs Include:

• Smart Homes Program
Building mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and service members.

• Fallen First Responder Home Program
Providing mortgage-free homes to families of first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty.

• Gold Star Family Support
Giving financial assistance and mortgage-free homes to families of fallen U.S. service members.

• Homeless Veteran Program
Offering housing and services to veterans experiencing homelessness.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation continues to grow nationwide, bringing hope, dignity, and resources to families who have endured unimaginable sacrifice.

⭐ About My Rise from the Wiseguys: A Memoir

My Rise from the Wiseguys: A Memoir is Carl Bilancione’s powerful true-life story, chronicling his extraordinary journey from growing up around the world of organized crime to forging his own path rooted in purpose, resilience, and personal transformation.

Carl recounts:

  • His early exposure to mob culture

  • The challenges and moral crossroads of his environment

  • How he built a successful career as a dentist

  • His rise to national attention on Survivor: Africa

  • The personal values that guided him toward service, family, and giving back

Equal parts gritty, heartfelt, and inspiring, the memoir offers a raw, honest look at what it means to break cycles, rebuild identity, and rise from circumstances that could have easily defined him. Carl’s story is filled with lessons on courage, redemption, and redefining legacy — all told with authenticity and emotional depth.

Connect:
https://t2t.org/
https://www.instagram.com/tunnel2towers/
https://www.instagram.com/survivorcarl

Video shoot and edited by Steve Sievers of Bionic Buzz®