COMMUNITY NEWS : BURBANK GIRL CHAMPIONS KIDS' CAUSES.

Byline: Virginia Gonzalez Daily News Staff Writer

Anyone who comes into contact with Daniella Fortuna these days would never know that she wasn't expected to survive after a quick-growing facial disfigurement began affecting her breathing and eyesight just after birth.

Except for scars left behind from five surgeries to remove the hemangioma - a spongy ruby-colored benign growth - Daniella, 10, of Burbank, is a vibrant, intelligent, friendly young girl today who serves as spokesperson for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

She was recently selected as a Children's Miracle Network ``Champion.''

Champions are 51 youngsters from the United States and Canada who have courageously battled deadly or debilitating diseases.

They have been selected as ambassadors of the Children's Miracle Network, an international non-profit organization whose mission is to generate funds and awareness programs to benefit kids and 162 associated children's hospitals in the United States and Canada.

Fortuna, who has met First Lady Hillary Clinton three times while representing the Children's Hospital, will again represent the San Fernando Valley at a May 31 meeting with state congressional delegations and other concerned leaders at the White House before helping launch the annual 21-hour broadcast ``C.M.N. Champions'' at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The telethon airs 9 p.m. June 1 to 6 p.m. June 2 on KCAL-TV.

Theirs is a club that meets in the early mornings monthly, but the many activities that members of the Warner Center Kiwanis Club participate means plenty of daylong planning and action sessions.

Among their year-around philanthropic activities, the 22-member chapter sponsored a book, magazine and videotape donation drive. Sales of the items enabled the club to present a $3,000 check to the Platt Branch Library for the purchase of new books, said member Howard Mariano.

Club members participate in philanthropic activities which benefit organizations geared toward the educational advancement of prenatal youngsters to children five years of age.

Warner Center residents who would like to get involved in their community are invited to attend one of the chapter's monthly 7:10 a.m. meetings held at Pearls Restaurant located in the Warner Center Marriott Hotel at 21850 Oxnard Street in the heart of Woodland Hills.

Call Howard Miereanu, the Warner Center Kiwanis Club publicity chairman, at [phone] for additional information.

Unwanted cars collecting dirt in Valley backyards are being used as fundraising vehicles for both the Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society.

Instead of paying to have cars taken away or dealing with the hassles of selling them, folks can call Special Olympics representatives at [phone] or Nancy Kellison with the American Cancer Society to make arrangements to have the vehicle picked up and possibly receive a tax deduction in the process.

Money raised by each organization is put to good use.Special Olympics ``Recycle for Gold'' fundraising project helps cover the cost of local tournament competitions and purchase of gold medals awarded to athletes placing first in their divisions. The American Cancer Society uses their fundraising proceeds for cancer research and patient services, organizers said.

MEMO: Do you have news in your neighborhood? If so, please send the information to Virginia Gonzalez, Daily News editorial department, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365-4200. FAX: [phone].

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Photo: Daniella Fortune