From 1969 to 1985, Chief Noc-a-Homa, whose real name is Levi Walker Jr., graced the field at Fulton County Stadium as the Braves mascot. Fans loved to watch as he chanted and prayed on the pitcher’s mound before sprinting across the outfield to his teepee where he would cheer on the team throughout the game.
“He was the best cheerleader there is,” says his daughter Gwyn Newman, who as a child would sometimes join her dad on the field.
She says as much as her father loved the Braves, the fans loved him.
Now, the 80-year-old needs their support as his health is failing.
“He’s adored by people. I’m always hearing stories of things he’s done to touch people’s hearts when he meets them,” she tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.
Newman says after being diagnosed with diabetes at age 40, he’s undergone dialysis three days a week for the past eight years. Then last month, he suffered a debilitating setback and was rushed to the hospital.
“He was diagnosed with metabolic encephalopathy. We have him in a rehabilitation center now and he’s having to learn how to do everything all over,” she says.
To accommodate his wheelchair, they have had to install a ramp at his home in Cleveland, Georgia. He will also need other medical supplies in addition to his regular trips for dialysis.
Newman has set up a GoFundMe page and has already raised just over half of the $50,000 goal.
“The Atlanta people—the friends and the family and the fans— they’ve come through amazing,” she says. “I’m touched so much by the people who love my dad.”
If you’d like to donate, you can do so at this link.