LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A 12-year-old Louisville girl is the commonwealth's first pediatric patient to get a new type of pacemaker, allowing her to play her favorite sports with no restrictions. 

Aubrie Chandler stays active through playing volleyball, basketball, flag football and running track; however, because of her heart condition, she couldn’t be as active as she wanted. 

"I couldn't really do sports," she said. "I can't be aggressive, and I couldn't play my favorite position in volleyball, which is libero."

At 15 months old, Aubrie was diagnosed with congenital complete atrioventricular block, requiring her to have a pacemaker. Because of her young age and size, it had to be placed in her stomach, rather than her chest. 

"I thought it would break if I tried something," she said. "I thought my wire would break off, and I would have to go get another surgery. I didn't really want that, so I just didn't do it." 

Her mother said she felt like they had to keep her in a bubble when deciding what was and wasn’t safe for her to do.

"Oh, it broke my heart; there would be times where I would cry with her," said Derby Chandler, Aubrie's mother. "I would cry to her dad. I even broke down and cried with the cardiologist ... I just want her to be a normal kid." 

Now, Aubrie can be a normal kid, while holding the title for the state's first pediatric patient to receive a new type of pacemaker. It is a Micra device, which is used only in special circumstances, said pediatric cardiologist Christopher Johnsrude, one of Aubrie's pediatricians. Johnsrude is with Norton Children's Hospital.

Since the new pacemaker is much smaller and placed in her heart, she can play new sports, too. 

"I feel amazing," Aubrie said. "I can finally do cheer, do softball, flag, football, track."

Her pediatrician said the next time they will have to intervene with the pacemaker depends on the battery life. The battery lasts approximately 10 years, so it will require fewer procedures over the course of Aubrie's life.