Logan Kidd of McDowell County knows all to well heart disease is a major killer in West Virginia.
He had to have a heart transplant to survive, and in a state where heart disease makes up a third of deaths annually, the teen wants to make a difference.
"I would love to be a pediatric cardiologist. When I was in the hospital it was really hard for me because there was nobody there who could relate," said Kidd.
When Kidd was 13 years old he had a heart transplant because of a condition he said causes his heart to grow bigger than his body. His sister has the same condition. Plus, his father died from heart disease. Now he believes his experiences can help others in the same situation.
"I would get really nervous when they would say I was getting a transplant. I didn't even know I was getting one until the day they said I was getting one," said Kidd.
This week Kidd is one of 100 rising 9th graders from all over West Virginia taking part in the Health, Science and technology Academy, or HSTA. It's a state-sponsored program that gives high school students an early look into the science and medical field, and in return students could get a medical school scholarship to become a doctor in West Virginia.
"It is so refreshing to see a student like Logan with his energy and effervescence. He tackles life head-on," said David Cartwright, Director of the Fun with Science portion of HSTA.
Because of his heart condition, Kidd can't play sports and outside activity is limited, but he's quick to point out he's doing OK.
"I'm getting ready to start high school. Can't wait to go to college and start my life as a doctor," said Kidd.
West Virginia ranks sixth in the nation in heart disease.
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