Teens born in NICU at same time are now prom dates 17 years later!

Two Tennessee prom dates share one very special bond. Leighton Long and Tatum Kelly were both born prematurely and shared the same neonatal unit at a Tennessee hospital. Both babies were finally strong enough to leave the hospital in 2005. Although they lived almost five hours apart, the families stayed in touch. Seventeen years later when Tatum needed a date to her senior prom, she knew exactly who she wanted to go with. That's right she asked Leighton, her buddy from the NICU.

Leighton was born on Aug. 22 at 28 weeks, weighing 2 pounds 10 ounces, while Tatum was born on the 28th at 24 weeks and weighing 1 pound 7 ounces.

The NICU had an open concept that allowed parents to bond and support one another during troubling times. “Lorrie was one of the first people I met in the NICU,” said Kelly. “I can’t remember if we were handwashing or if it was just because they were two beds down, but we just formed that connection.” The Long and Kelly families found comfort in each other while their babies fought for their lives.

Once both children were discharged from the hospital, the families stayed in touch over the years, developing a close relationship. Although the 17-year-olds grew up nearly 200 miles apart from each other — Tatum in Pulaski, Tennessee, and Leighton in Knoxville — they remained tight.

In April, Tatum invited Leighton, a high school junior, to attend her high school senior prom.

She did, however, shut down any suspicion of the two dating: “We’re just really good friends,” she told Fox.