KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – As Central High School shooting victim Ryan McDonald’s family deals with a loss they never expected at their Delaware Avenue home, Ryan’s family remembers the little things and ask the big questions.

"He tried to have that persona that he was a tough guy on the street, but people that knew him, knew he really wasn't."

Ryan's uncle Roger, says Ryan had to act tough.

Coming from a broken home made his early years difficult.

Losing his hair when he was three made school a cruel world.

But still, Ryan found joy in sports.

“He played football. He played for the Northwest Rebels for a couple of years. He liked sports. He liked UT football."

According to his uncle, Ryan already had a desire to help others -- particularly those with challenges to overcome.

"He wanted to work with children. He was going to Helen Ross McNabb, and they would work with him there,” Roger says. “And I think he saw that he could help kids, because of stuff he had been through."

Now, as they remember, the family struggles to move forward, and they're hoping for answers.

"We do want answers. We'd like to know why. You ask yourself, why? It's a natural thing. Why Ryan? Why today? Why now? Hopefully as time goes on, we'll get some answers."

Volunteer TV News has been getting numerous phone calls from viewers who want to help.

The Westview Wesleyan Church, on Joyce Avenue in Knoxville is currently accepting donations in memory of Ryan McDonald.

If you would like to donate, log CLICK HERE. There will be information on their Web site to help Ryan's family in their time of need.