A Collierville mother who launched a nonprofit organization to help families with children who have disabilities announced Thursday that a site in Mississippi has been secured for a unique family retreat.

The Abston family has donated land in DeSoto County for the first Ryan's Ranch retreat envisioned by Corinne Derenburger.

"Giving families a place to rest, recreate and rehabilitate together" is the main goal of the concept, Derenburger said.

"And the key word is together," she said.

On Wednesday, DeSoto County's Board of Supervisors approved a zoning change clearing the way for Ryan's Ranch on 63 acres at Star Landing and Baldwin roads, in the Lake Cormorant area about 15 miles northwest of Hernando.

The Abston family donated the property. The site is part of 700 acres where the family plans an upscale horse trail community.

Ryan's Ranch at Dunbar Hills is meant to be a prototype for retreats that offer families with children who have developmental disabilities facilities and services tailored to their needs.

The concept for Ryan's Ranch has grown well beyond an idea she proposed in 2007, stalled by neighborhood opposition, for a horse retreat in Collierville.

Derenburger said a feasibility study by the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Mempis recommended starting with 10 retreats and going global because one will be too small the day it opens.

Nearly six years ago, she founded Ryan's Hope for Family & Friends, naming it after her son. He was born with extreme disabilities and was not expected to live beyond 2003. Today, he's 15.

Derenburger, 40, said she learned during the summer that she has a life-threatening blood disease that may have been undiagnosed for about 20 years

The nonprofit group, now nearly six years old, has changed its name to Ryan's Ranch International, has a branch in Nashville and is expanding in the region.

Led by a governing board, Ryan's Ranch International plans to raise more than $45 million.

Ryan's Ranch

Ryan's Ranch International is planning a retreat in DeSoto County for families with children who have developmental disabilities.

The plans include:
- Sensory rooms
- Equestrian center
- Universally accessible play area
- Amphitheater
- Lakes and water spray park
- At least 45 therapies, family counseling, education and coaching.

Ryan's Ranch International is on the Web at ryansranch.org

- Kevin McKenzie: 529-2348
The Commercial Appeal
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