Can people really die from not having someone to transplant a kidney to them?

Yes some do: People with severe end-stage kidney failure require either kidney transplant or dialysis. Presently average life expectancy with dialysis is about 5 years from onset. Prognosis after successful kidney transplant is much better & longer. Living related transplanted kidneys, by & large, do better that cadaveric kidneys. Thus some people on dialysis may face death if they can't receive transplant.