Jan Shriver may lose or gain weight this month -- depending on how much money she can raise for the fifth annual Leukemia Society Weight-a-thon.

Shriver, a State College resident, said she is participating to help others fight against leukemia --a chronic or acute disease that can lead to death and is characterized by the unrestrained growth of leukocytes in the tissues.

Participants can either recruit pledges for the amount of weight gained, lost or maintained until March 2. Karen Fink, a Leukemia Society representative, said the event prepares everyone for spring and is healthy for those involved.

While only a few people in the Centre County region are either gaining, losing or maintaining their weight, others can still get involved.

The Leukemia Society has 125 participants from 32 counties entered in the event so far, said Fink. Interested students or residents can contact Ritenour Health Center, Thrift Drug Company or the society if they wish to participate, she said.

During the past four years the weight-a-thon has raised more than $50,000. The Leukemia Society of Western Pennsylvania is hoping to raise $15,000 this year, Fink said. The money received from the weight-a-thon will go to national research and local patient care.

The society, located in Pittsburgh, serves 32 counties including Centre County through its funding.

The Weight-a-thon began on Jan. 22 and runs through March 2. Participants can use Ritenour Health Center as a weigh station for the event, said Bonnie Flay, an employee at Ritenour.

Individuals in the past have raised more than $1,000 each, said Fink.

Those who raise a lot of money can win a variety of prizes including souvenir T-shirts, sweatshirts, portable AM/FM radios, videocassette recorders, color TV's, week-end vacations and various exercise equipment. The grand prize will be a $300 shopping spree courtesy of Foodland. As a group incentive, a special catered lunch for 20 is offered.