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Here's the update:

I don't think this is a hoax. I called the court, gave them the case number, and was able to verify that it is in regards to Mae's estate, but could not get any more info from the woman I spoke to because she didn't know the details. She told me I'd have to speak to Judge Boyd and that he won't be in until 8:00 am tomorrow.

So, Court CASE NUMBER: Estate 138-05 is on record there, and the clerk knew who I was talking about when I mentioned Mae Magouirk's name. The clerk did not know the status of the case or whether or not Beth Gaddy was still Mae's medical power-of-attorney. She did say something about the case being settled yesterday, although I don't know if that means the family won and had the tube reinserted or if Beth Gaddy won and Mae is still starving. I asked if the reason the case had been "settled" was because the patient had already died, and she said, "No".

I called the hospice, but when I mentioned Mae's name, I was immediately transfered to someone who did not pick up the phone. I got her voicemail and left a message. I doubt she will call me back, and I doubt I'll get anything but her voicemail if I call her again.

Another FReeper on this thread said that he/she was able to get through, though, and was told that Mae is in fact a patient there.

I called the attorney's office, and the receptionist told me that she couldn't talk about the case. I told her I was just calling to verify its existence. She still wouldn't talk, but when I mentioned that this was regarding a press release and mentioned the Mullinax name (Mae's sister), she said something to the effect of: "that's the family, our office didn't send out a press release". Then, she told me to email the attorney if I had any questions, and gave me his email address.

I tried to call the family (I have the original press release with all the phone numbers), but the sister's phone rang without anyone picking it up, and the brother's phone number was his work number. He was not there, and the person who answered said, "I don't want to talk about that. He'll be in tomorrow at 7:00 am. Call back tomorrow." I didn't push the matter, because I did not want to cause Mae's brother any trouble at work.

Now, I intend to email the attorney. I will let you know what he says.