INDIANAPOLIS (August 21, 2025) – Following the recent blessing and ribbon cutting of the Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital, Lucas Oil is gearing up for its 17th Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament, scheduled for August 28 at Eagle Creek Golf Course. The charity event continues to play a vital role in supporting medical teams, facilities and initiatives for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent, including the now open Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital.
The tournament honors Eric Medlen, a beloved NHRA Funny Car driver who tragically passed away from head injuries sustained in a racing accident. Created in Eric’s memory, the event has raised funds to advance neurological care for both children and adults in Indiana, and is a cornerstone of the company’s philanthropic efforts. To date, the tournament has raised over $2 million, directly supporting important projects like the ongoing pediatric neurology care at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and the Women and Infants Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent opened in January 2025.
Through the tournament, corporate partnerships, fundraisers and personal contributions, the Lucas family has raised vital funds for dedicated pediatric and neurological programs. Katie Lucas, who joined the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation Board in 2017 and now serves as its chair, continues to guide philanthropic strategy that elevates community care across Indiana.
“Every year, the Eric Medlen Memorial Tournament highlights how much our community cares about advancing healthcare in Indiana,” said Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil and board chair of the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation. “Indiana families deserve world‑class medical care close to home. Our own children were born at Ascension St. Vincent and have received outstanding care ever since, so this tournament and partnership is deeply personal to our family. We are grateful to bring together such a generous community to continue that support.”
“As a father and friend, I am honored to continue Eric’s legacy and pay forward the exceptional care our family has received at Ascension St. Vincent with proceeds from this tournament,” added Morgan Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil. “There is no higher calling than to be able to give back and share our blessings with others.”
The Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent is a state-of-the-art regional hub for advanced brain and spine care, featuring specialized ICU rooms, advanced surgical suites, neuroradiology labs with the latest diagnostic technology and able to support leading-edge neurological procedures. The facility also incorporates nature-inspired design elements that support emotional well-being—such as natural light, open space, and visual landmarks—to promote calm and clarity for patients with neurological conditions affecting memory, perception, or mood.
Proceeds from this year’s tournament will further enhance programs and facility needs at Ascension St. Vincent, including pediatric neurology care at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and treatment for complex neurological conditions at Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital.
For more information about the tournament or ways to support, please visit EricMedlenMemorial.com.
