Texas Children’s Leaders Named 2025 Seven Blocks of Granite Champions

Will Parsons, MD, PhD, Director of Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center, and Austin Brown, PhD, Director of the Epidemiology and Population Sciences Program at Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center, have been named 2025 Seven Blocks of Granite Champions.

This honor recognizes individuals whose contributions uphold the legacy of Vince Lombardi and meaningfully advance cancer research while improving the lives of patients and their families. Dr. Parsons and Dr. Brown were selected for their leadership, scientific impact, and dedication to strengthening outcomes for those affected by cancer.

Dr. Parsons serves as Chief of the Division of Hematology-Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center. He has spent nearly two decades driving innovation across clinical care, research, and education, serving in many key leadership roles. His research emphasizes the clinical application of genomic testing in pediatric cancer care and the development of molecularly targeted therapies, and his work has played a pivotal role in defining the genetic landscapes of numerous pediatric and adult cancers.

Dr. Brown, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, serves as Director of the Epidemiology Program and Research Co-Director of the Long-Term Survivor Research Program at Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center. He is also the Sidney L. and Donald F. Faust Chair of Pediatric Cancer Epidemiology. A cancer epidemiologist, he integrates clinical and molecular data to better understand treatment-related toxicities and long-term outcomes for childhood cancer survivors. His work aims to reduce morbidity, improve long‑term quality of life, and strengthen survivorship care. Dr. Brown’s multidisciplinary research program and commitment to mentorship have advanced partnerships that help define the future of pediatric oncology survivorship research.

Dr. Parsons and Dr. Brown were honored at the 52^nd annual Lombardi Award Ceremony. Learn more about the Seven Blocks of Granite Award here: https://www.lombardiaward.org/sevenblocksofgranite