Cult Blood Drive. Give back this festive season

Last year one of our beloved Cult team members, Chelsea Rodrigues, was diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 32. Through Chelsea's cancer journey and experience with life-saving blood transfusions, we have learned some hard-hitting facts about the shortage of blood in Australia - namely 1 in 3 people will need blood, but only 1 in 30 donate.

As the giving season arrives, we have worked with Chelsea on a new Cult Blood Drive initiative with the goal to generate 100 blood donations this December. Here, Chelsea shares her story with the hope of encouraging more people to participate in the Cult Blood Drive and book a blood donation.

Cult Blood Drive. Book your donation now and make a difference

Chelsea's personal experience with LifeBlood has implored us to take action, and we’d love to invite you to do the same. We’re proud to be part of LifeBlood Teams, the group donation program from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. There’s nothing like knowing you’ve genuinely helped someone, and we’d love to share that amazing feeling with you all. If you’re going to do one generous thing this giving season, please join us in donating blood.

Donated blood can be used to help people in all sorts of life-giving ways. The need is constant and the person receiving it could be fighting cancer or going through a difficult pregnancy, or they could be someone who relies on regular transfusions to stay healthy — or even, stay alive.

> See if you're eligible to donate blood with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
> Book a donation
> Find a donor centre
> How your donation helps

Want to participate in the Cult Blood Drive? Here's what you can do! 

1. If you're already an active donor, login to book your next donation and join the Cult Design LifeBlood Team to help us reach our 100-donation goal.

2. If you would like to become a donor and join us in making a genuine difference, set up your account, follow the quick and easy steps to join our Cult Design LifeBlood Team and book your first donation here. Linking with our group account will enable us to track all donations part of the Cult Blood Drive and work towards our 100-donation goal this December. 

3. If you are unable to donate blood, you can still support the Cult Blood Drive by sharing this story with friends and family, encouraging your network to share or book a donation.

4. Share your donation booking or LifeBlood appointment using the hashtag #CultBloodDrive on social media to increase awareness of this initiative and encourage your network to donate. 


From the entire Cult team, thank you for helping Chelsea and us reach our goal this year.

Chelsea's journey with cancer and LifeBlood transfusions

Last year one of our beloved Cult team members, Chelsea Rodrigues, was diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 32. Here Chelsea reflects on her seven years with Cult and generously shares her experience with cancer and dependence on life-saving blood transfusions in the hope of encouraging more people to participate in the Cult Blood Drive this December.

"Cult was my workplace, home and family for over seven years. When I was diagnosed, Richard asked what he could do for me and truly the only thing I want is to give back to the system that saved my life. By using Cult’s platform, I hope more people schedule to donate blood. I feel it is our duty to each other. You never know when you, or your loved ones, may rely on LifeBlood."

On Chelsea's time at Cult and passion for design 

To start, tell us about your career in the design industry and time at Cult? 

Whilst completing my design degree, I was volunteering with the DIA and attended an industry event in the Melbourne showroom. It was love at first sight. I was smitten with the company, the brands and the beautiful space. I have worked many roles at Cult over my 7.5 years which solidified my love of furniture. 

What are your career highlights? 

It is hard to go past Salone del Mobile trips! Being the first to see furniture pieces from the archives of designers such as Bodil Kjær and Castiglioni is truly magical experience, as is running into clients in the streets of Milan. 

What are you hobbies or interests? 

Collecting records. I inherited my dad’s collection that is full of first editions of 70’s wonders such as David Bowie, Bob Dylan and the Clash. I collect to fill gaps in his collection, keeping an eye out for any early copies I can find second hand.

Do you have a favourite design brand or piece of furniture? 

Fritz Hansen has one of the best collections of Danish classics such as the utilitarian Arne Jacobsen Series 7 chair and Poul Kjaerholm collector pieces. The quality is outstanding and will last a lifetime and more.

Chelsea in Milan for Salone del Mobile with the Cult team.

Chelsea at Cult's 20th anniversary party in Sydney. 

Chelsea at various Cult events over the years.

On Chelsea's cancer journey

Tell us about your experience being diagnosed? How were you diagnosed and at what age?  

I was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer at age 32 in October 2021. I went into hospital with what was initially thought to be Covid by paramedics but after over 80 tests, a Metastatic Adenocarcinoma mass was found on a CT scan. My prognosis is estimated as 2 years with chemotherapy. If anyone reading has experienced any changes in their body that don't feel normal, my best advice is to go to a doctor and always push for further testing. 

How has your cancer diagnosis affected you and your family? 

My diagnosis has taken so much from me; the ability to work in a job I loved, my independence and has left me disabled and requiring care. This has of course had a major impact on the people around me. The silver lining is that, along with my family and friends, I am committed to making the most of the time left. I have been working through a bucket list of places I want to see, restaurants I want to try and lots of quality time spent with loved ones. 

What has been the most significant change you see in yourself now that you are living with cancer? What is a typical day like for you now? 

I used to live alone, travel alone and truly enjoy my independence. Unfortunately my diagnosis means I do need care and assistance. I am lucky enough to have amazing parents who take very good care of me. Accepting that my life is being cut short has been a very difficult adjustment. There is no one I can blame and nothing I can do to fix it. All I can control is how the rest of my time is spent. Now, I go to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre three times fortnightly for appointments, tests and palliative chemotherapy. After treatment, I generally stay in bed for a week before feeling like myself again. Once I’m well enough, the focus is on spending time with loved ones doing fun things before the cycle of treatment repeats again.

Chelsea during chemotherapy treatment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

During this time, what is of most importance to you? What have been some highlights from the past year? 

Time. With such a poor prognosis, all that matters is getting the most out of every moment. Travelling to places that have been on my hit list are highlights; Hayman Island, Longhouse, Dovecote and the Palazzo Versace

Tell us about your treatment process? Are there any programs or services offered  to help you? Are you facing any obstacles during your treatment process? If so, how are you overcoming these obstacles?

I go for chemotherapy every fortnight and then scan after every cycle. There are limited treatments available for my particular mutation so it is always an anxious time waiting on scan results. My biggest support has been through palliative care at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, ensuring my pain and symptoms are managed and that I can maintain quality of life. 

What advice would you share with anyone dealing with cancer themselves or with a loved one? 

Find joy in your day. Cancer is such a lonely and stressful experience and one that can literally eat you alive. Laughter, pleasure and fun become more important than ever. You have to find them in your every day, no matter how bleak things may seem. 

A snapshot of the various trips Chelsea has shared with friends and family throughout 2022. 

Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast - May 2022.

Visiting Sydney including visits to Bundeena with Cult Founder and Director, Richard Munao, and a trip to Dovecote on the NSW South Coast.

A snapshot of the various trips and events Chelsea has shared with friends and family throughout 2022. 

A trip to Ross Farm in Victoria with friends - July 2022.

On Chelsea's experience with LifeBlood donations

How have blood donations helped you over the last year? 

When in hospital, I was receiving two blood transfusions a day. I was being kept alive by the donation of others. It is both a scary and beautiful thought to rely, life or death, on the compassion of strangers.

How many people have you influenced donating blood? What have you done to promote blood donations in your network? 

Many friends, including ones with a fear of needles, have become regular doners. By sharing how reliant I was on the system, it has influenced those around me to do their part. I only wish I could give back to lifeblood myself.

Tell us about the Cult Blood Drive and your work with Cult on this initiative? 

Cult was my workplace, home and family for over seven years. When I was diagnosed, Richard asked what he could do for me and truly the only thing I want is to give back to the system that saved my life. By using Cult’s platform, I hope more people schedule to donate blood. I feel it is our duty to each other. You never know when you, or your loved ones, may rely on Lifeblood. 

What message would you like to provide to the community about blood donations? 

Life is so fragile. I never thought I’d rely so heavily on others, but I do. Lifeblood saves lives but it is a system that relies on your donation. Please give back this festive season.