Washington Wizards Players Surprise Young Patients on Milestone Day at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

Center Alex Sarr and forward Anthony Gill spent time with young patients just hours after moving into a new care space.

WASHINGTON — New rooms. New opportunities. And a surprise visit from the Washington Wizards!

That was the excitement awaiting pediatric patients at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital as they became the first children to move into the hospital's newly renovated National Center for Children's Rehabilitation (NCCR), then welcomed Wizards players Alex Sarr and Anthony Gill for an afternoon of games, pumpkin painting, and conversation.

Children hospitalized in the NCCR are recovering from serious conditions, including brain injuries, orthopedic and neurological disorders, cancer, and more.

The visit marked a memorable first day in the upgraded pediatric space, which features larger private rooms, a new therapy gym, advanced accessibility technology, and a modernized playroom designed to support healing, recovery, and family-centered care.

“It’s definitely more modern. It’s a lot better,” said one teenage patient.

“The new space gives our care teams even more tools to help our youngest patients heal faster and stronger,” said John Rockwood, president of MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and senior vice president for MedStar Health. “We will always lean on our community members, partners, and friends to help make their experience here all that it can be. We appreciate the continued support of the Washington Wizards.”

Sarr also toured the new unit and plans to return throughout the season, giving him opportunities to reconnect with patients and follow their rehabilitation journeys.

The upgraded NCCR is part of a multi-year renovation project that will transition the entire hospital to all private, expanded patient rooms while optimizing care and workspace, modernizing the front entrance, among other improvements. The project is funded in part by grateful MedStar NRH patients and community partners.

MedStar Health is proud to serve as the trusted medical team of the Washington Wizards.