For the first time ever, live coverage of the Carbon-Tamaqua American Cancer Society Telethon was able to be seen around the world via the Internet or cell phones.

Since it's inception in 1980, the telethon was only available to be seen by viewers who have Blue Ridge Communications or Service Electric.This past weekend's telethon served as a historic stepping stone, as it was shown live over the Internet for anyone to watch."Despite only being a trial year, the live feed remained working during most of the telethon," said organizer and online producer Andrew Leibenguth."I didn't go out of my way to advertise the live feed this year, because I wanted to make sure it worked," added Leibenguth. "And yes, their were many technical concerns that arose during the live feed."At times, viewers watching online could see what goes on behind the scenes as a volunteer would walk around with a wireless camera."We watched the ACS Telethon all weekend," said Ruth (Behr) Augustine of Las Vegas, Nevada. Augustine, who once served as a volunteer with the telethon, stated how this concept allows everyone, no matter where they live, to watch the telethon on the Internet.Leibenguth, who also served as the telethon's photographer, webmaster and social media guru, stressed his appreciation to volunteers Brian Cassell, Beth Kester, Kathleen Quinn-Farber and their family members for helping him during the two day event. He also stressed his appreciation to Blue Ridge Communications and Penn's Peak for sharing their audio feed and Internet connection."This year's live Internet coverage served as its first, and overtime - might even attract national entertainers, as well as contributors," said Leibenguth.