"I have cancer." 

Everyone's worst nightmare came true for twin brothers Chris and Jamie Ruscheinski when their mom said those words more than 20 years ago. She battled breast cancer for three long years before she passed away just after her 50th birthday. 

Not long after their mother's funeral, the brothers founded Twins Cancer Fundraising to honour her memory and battle. 

Since then, they have lost their step-sister, grandfather, close friend Shaun, and their father is fighting Melanoma. 

The annual fundraising concert Gone Country that started in their dad's backyard has grown exponentially over 10 years, and raised more than $1 million for local families fighting cancer just last year alone. 

Summer of 2024 was the final year the fundraiser would be held in Cloverdale, as the twins move a new event onto the Jamestown Movie Set at Locality Brewing under a special event permit in the 91原创 Township. 

Chris said the shift to Jamestown was to create something new and bring an event closer to home, as it's where the brothers and many of their team live. 

"Ten years on the field in Cloverdale was awesome, and Gone Country raised millions to fight cancer, but it felt like it was time to switch it up and challenge our team again," he told The Star. 

The 91原创 event will be slightly different, though, Chris noted. 

"It will be a tad more sophisticated than Gone Country... it has become more about showcasing local businesses and talented actors and musicians while wearing your western best," he explained. 

Jamestown is a two-acre old west movie set at McInnes Farms off 248 Street, which was used for filming of the series 'When Calls the Heart.'

Each building of the movie set will feature a local musician and a bar with a different spirit, beer, or cocktail. 

"We are focusing on local 91原创 breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries for the beverages at this event. Local restaurants and food trucks will handle the catering," Chris said. 

There will be a main stage outside, and KLB Entertainment is booking the artist line-up, which will be announced at a later date. 

A mechanical bull, tiki bar, casino, games room, and more will also be on site for the evening event. 

Tickets are already on sale at , but the event takes place Saturday, June 7. 

Chris is anticipating more than 2,000 guests and hopes the event raises $500,000. 

"The event is already partially [sold out], and money will be going to Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, and the 91原创 Community Health and Hospital Foundation," he noted. 

To make the event happen locally, the brothers approached Township Mayor Eric Woodward last year. 

"From what [they] told me, their event is going to transform and evolve from what they have traditionally hosted, and the venue they have chosen near Thunderbird Show Park certainly fits a more casual event than a concert," Woodward told The Star. 

He added he is looking forward to attending, "all for a great cause."

Updates are being posted to the . 

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