History of the Foch Foundation
The Franco-American Marshal Foch Foundation was created in 1929 under the impetus of Justin Godart, the former Minister of Health, and Bernard Flursheim, the Head of Distribution of American Aid in Europe.
A Foundation born from generous private donors
Since it was created in 1929 under the impetus of the Franco-Americans, the Foch Foundation has always stood by its humanitarian and social morals, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their social class, receive the best, state-of-the-art medical and surgical care; but also the best, most comfortable and welcoming conditions of care. The purpose of the Foundation was to create a hospital that was pioneering in all areas. Thanks to its benefactors, the Foundation is achieving this objective today.
Did you know?
The Foch Foundation is named after Marshal Foch. His death prompted Justin Godart and Bernard Flursheim to ask Ms Foch, who was a member of the Ladies’ Committee at the time, for permission to name the Foundation after her husband.
The founding fathers
Justin Godart
President of the Foundation until his death in 1956. He was the Minister of Labour and Hygiene from 1924 to 1925, then the Minister of Health in 1932. He dedicated his life to the helping the poor and to improving health services.
Bernard Flursheim
An American citizen who changed the face of the American Red Cross and who redistributed medical stocks in Europe in 1929 that were worth a billion dollars.
Consuelo Balsan
The construction of the Hospital was funded by a fundraising campaign led by Consuelo Balsan and supported by the Ladies’ Committee.
