By Kate Renner

EUGENE, Ore. -- A dying man's final wish has prompted a community of friends to throw a party in his family's honor.

Gary Brecto, a soon-to-be grandpa, is holding on for dear life so that he can achieve his one goal of holding his newborn grandson once before he passes away.

"I was told two weeks ago that due to my heart condition on top of everything else, I'm a recent amputee, and that I probably, they couldn't give me that much time," said Gary Brecto.

He's not pleading for his own life.  Instead, he's asking to witness the new life of another.

"I just want to hold my grandson one time," Brecto said.

And although no one can make that promise, Alpine Springs Assisted Living Center is pledging to take care of his daughter's new family.

The center threw a surprise baby shower Monday afternoon for Brecto to honor his daughter Nicole.

"It's absolute joy that I get to see my daughter being honored," Brecto said.

Nicole is no stranger to this community.  She's been her dad's right hand during his entire illness and his amputations.

"My daughter comes over here, nurses my wounds, and takes care of dad seven days a week," Brecto said.

Now it was Gary's turn to dote on Nicole.  Riverpark donated a stroller and car seat, and the staff at Alpine Springs showered Nicole with dozens of presents.

Being new parents, they don't have an idea what they're going to need.  And now he says he just has one final gift he's asking for.

"This is what I asked my maker for is just to give me the time to see him," Brecto said.

Nicole still needs a crib and some baby clothes before she's ready to deliver baby Roman.

If you'd like to donate in Brecto's honor, call Alpine Springs Assisted Living Center at 541-607-9525.